Newsletter
LAKE EFFECT NEWSLETTER
A PUBLICATION OF LAKE COUNTY CENTER
FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
FALL 2011
Chopper Fest Supports LCCIL
LCCIL would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Choppers Bar and Grill. Every August Choppers selects a charity to benefit from the proceeds raised from their annual Chopper Fest. LCCIL was fortunate to be selected this year. On August 20th Choppers was packed full of patrons to celebrate the day and participate in various raffles and silent auction to benefit the center. WIIL Rock Radio (95.1) was on hand to advertise the event and share with the community the many services LCCIL offers to people with disabilities. That day and the months proceeding the event LCCIL and Choppers staff sold tickets for a custom made bobber motorcycle. Again, proceeds went to support people with disabilities who consume our services. This has been an exciting opportunity to draw awareness of our programs and services and we can’t thank the staff of Choppers enough for their generosity.
Personal Car: Attendants Wanted!
Lake County Center for Independent Living is a non-profit organization that provides services and advocacy to people with disabilities in the area. We list people like you who are interested in working as personal attendants to people with disabilities who seek referrals from our agency. All you need to do is attend an orientation, fill out an application and provide proof of identification.
We refer your name to potential consumers of personal attendant services who interview you and arrange the terms of service. For further information contact Cathy Muehl, Independent Living/Personal Attendant Advocate, at (847)-949-4440.
Let Technology Work for You!
The development and availability of various kinds of assistive technology has increased the independence and quality of life of many people with disabilities. Assistive technology covers a wide range and can include devices such as magnifiers to computer software and hardware and everything in-between. The staff of Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) a majority of whom are people with disabilities can help interested people learn about what kinds of assistive technology are available and what may best meet their needs. Center staff can also provide ideas on possible sources of funding.
The Center has assistive technology available for demonstration. We strive to add new assistive items to our existing assistive technology inventory as our funds permit. We are excited about the addition of a new talking money identifier to our inventory. The iBill Talking Banknote identifier is a small, portable device that identifies all denominations of US currency that are currently in circulation. It is especially helpful for anyone who can’t identify currency by sight.
In addition, LCCIL’s Older Blind Services Program specializes in helping people who are experiencing vision loss find the right assistive technology. Center staff can help you find a magnifier, acquire talking devices that tell time, the color of clothing or the denomination of US currency or learn how to use computer software that magnifies or reads the computer screen. In some cases, assistive technology items can be provided to qualified Center consumers at no cost. Please contact LCCIL to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Save The Date!
November 22, 2011
Heads Up Support Group, 7 pm
November 30, 2011
LCCIL Annual Meeting, 5:30pm-7pm
United Methodist Church
Libertyville
December 3, 2011
LCCIL gift wrapping at
Barnes & Noble Vernon Hills
9am-6pm
December 10, 2011
LCCIL gift wrapping at
Barnes & Noble Vernon Hills
9am-6pm
December 24, 2011
LCCIL gift wrapping at
Barnes & Noble Vernon Hills
10am-4pm
LCCIL Welcomes New Staff!
Greetings! My name is Jill Callahan, and I am the new Program Director at LCCIL. I have been in the social service field since 1984. I have an extensive background working with people whom had a physical, developmental or mental illness and their families. I have worked with people of all ages. I have been involved with quality assurance, advocacy, policy development and administration. I have always been interested in advocating for people’s rights and social justice issues. I am looking forward to working with all the staff and consumers to continue to provide quality services. I have been married for 20 years, to my husband Tim. We have two teenage boys. Ryan, who is a senior and Austin who is in the 7th grade. I enjoy hanging out with my family, boating, gardening (flowers) reading and cooking.
My name is Amanda Swet and I was born and raised in Lake County. My position at Lake County CIL is Community Transition Specialist. I have worked at other social services agencies for four years now. I have worked with At-Risk Youth and Vocational Programs. I am excited about being here and helping improve lives.
I am Katie Brady, and my position at the CIL is a Staff Associate. I’m enjoying working on gaining more computer skills as well as helping in the YER class. I enjoy people, art, sports, animals (especially cats and dogs). I love photography, painting, mixed media, working on the computer, movies, bowling, and gardening. I also love volunteering at the hospital, working with patients. Finally, I enjoy the beach, picking up seashells, looking at the sunset and walking through the shallow water with bare feet.
Hi. My name is Christopher Compean and I am a Staff Associate at LCCIL. I started in August of 2011. I help out by doing light office work, and staff projects while looking for employment and brushing up on my typing and computer skills. I enjoy working with the staff and the consumers of LCCIL. On my off time, I enjoy concerts, gardening, and I am a singer in a garage/rock band. I am a die hard cat fan, and occasionally volunteer at animal shelters. I also enjoy boating and fishing. I hope to provide excellent service to those in need at LCCIL.
Emergency Preparedness
Have the recent windstorms, hurricanes, and thought of another blizzard raised awareness of you and your loved ones levels of preparedness in an emergency? Many Lake County residents experienced power loss during the July windstorm. Some people with disabilities require refrigeration of medications and electricity for oxygen machines. LCCIL is teaming up with Lake County Emergency Management and the American Red Cross to find ways to better serve the disability community during an emergency. We would love your feedback. Please contact Lindsey at 847-949-4440 with any personal experiences during an emergency or comments.
In the meantime, remember these tips to help make you more prepared. The following should be included in your basic emergency supply kit:
• Three day supply of nonperishable food and manual can opener.
• Three day supply of water.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Whistle.
• Blankets.
• Items such as prescription medications, glasses, and hearing aid batteries.
• Portable, battery powered radio.
Lindsey’s Lookout
Go Direct!
If you're applying for SSDI, SSI or veterans benefits, you'll need to provide your bank information or sign up for a Direct Express debit card.
Once your veterans or Social Security disability application is approved, you will have two options for receiving your payments: 1) Direct deposit into a bank or credit union account or 2) paid into a Direct Express debit card.
From now on, you will be asked to choose direct deposit or Direct Express When you apply for SSDI, SSI, veterans disability compensation or other federal benefits.
What you'll need to sign up for direct deposit:
If you prefer to have your benefits paid into your bank or credit union account, you will need to provide the following information on your application:
• The routing transit number for your financial institution (typically a 9-digit number, which appears as the first block of numbers at the bottom of a personal check)
• Your account type -- checking or savings
• Your account number (typically the second block of numbers at the bottom of your personal check)
How to sign up for a free Direct Express Debit Card:
If you don't have a bank account or you prefer to receive your payments on a prepaid debit card, you can sign up for a free Direct Express Debit MasterCard at www.GoDirect.org or by calling
1-800-333-1795.
Current beneficiaries can switch to direct deposit/Direct Express at any time before March 1, 2013
The Treasury Department has set up a relatively easy process for existing Social Security and veterans disability beneficiaries to switch over to direct deposit or Direct Express. You can do so at any time, and you must do so before March 1, 2013.
You can sign up at www.GoDirect.org or by calling the Treasury Department's Electronic Payment Solution Center at 1-800-333-1795.
Special thanks to the offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin for providing thorough data.
An In Depth Look at CRP
Independent Living is the right of people with disabilities to direct their own lives, have choices
and options and to actively participate in all aspects
of society.
The Community Reintegration Program (CRP) is designed to reintegrate individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 who are interested in moving back into the community from a nursing facility. Funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services' Division of Rehabilitation Services (DHS/DRS) and the Illinois Housing Development Authority, CRP is able to provide services and purchase items to establish a home in the community. This program is partially reimbursed by Medicaid.
The goal is to identify the services and support systems that a nursing facility resident may need in order to move into his or her own residence and to live independently again.
For more questions, call LCCIL at 847-949-4440.
The Importance of Parent Involvement
Both state and federal laws and regulations governing the administration of educational programs for students with disabilities have recognized the important role of parents in the special education process. More importantly, it makes the student feel a sense of comfort to have their parent involved and supportive of their education. Parents and school personnel should establish a positive relationship with shared goals and a common understanding of the child’s needs. It is essential that parents and schools work cooperatively together to improve student performance. Below you will find some tips to help you become an involved parent.
Be an active participant in your child’s education:
• Listen to your child
• Be aware of any behavioral, academic, or personality changes
• Inform yourself about what help is available in or through child’s school district.
• Talk to other parents, teachers, doctors, and community providers.
• Find resources like LCCIL, Parent Mentors, Parent Training, etc.
• Be able to talk about your child’s weaknesses as well as strengths.
• Learn about your child’s rights as a student with a disability.
• Participate in the process to decide if your child is eligible to receive special education services.
• Attend and participate in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings. Parents are key decision makers and an equal member of the IEP team.
• Ask questions if you do not understand terms, language, or other things that happen during your child’s meeting(s).
• Call, email, or request a meeting if you are worried about how your child is doing at school.
In addition:
• Share letters, reports, or other materials that can help the school understand your child and provide appropriate services to your child. This information could be from teachers, doctors, or community agencies. Be sure to keep a copy of these items for your records.
• Start a file or log in which you write important dates and milestones of your child’s learning. This will also be a good place to record the results of important conversations and meetings.
Friends of the Center
Lake County Center for Independent Living would like to thank Paris Frierson and
Mallory Mellon for their dedication in helping out with Gala and Chopper Fest baskets. These two young ladies volunteered their time and skills to piece together some amazing raffle and auction items. If you
are interested in becoming a “friend of the center” and volunteer your skills, contact us at 847-949-4440.
Transit News and Updates:
Seniors Ride Free Program Changes
As of September, the Seniors Ride Free Program has changed. Seniors will now have to qualify for the Circuit Breaker Program run through the Illinois Department on Aging to be issued a ride free card. Seniors who do not meet the income requirements for Circuit Breaker can obtain for a reduced fare card allowing them to pay half the regular fare on fixed route buses and trains. The reduced fare card does not include Dial-a-Ride or ADA Paratransit fares.
If you have questions, please call the RTA at
(312) 913-3110 (V). You can also obtain more information online at www.rtachicago.org.
The following information was taken from Pace’s website, pacebus.com on 16 September 2011:
Benton-Zion Township Dial-a-Ride Service Expanded
The Benton-Zion Township Dial-a-Ride has been expanded, improving access to shopping at the intersection of Rosecrans and Kenosha roads. The service is open to the general public travelling within Zion and Benton townships and operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Dial-a-Ride also provides service to medical facilities in Gurnee and Waukegan every Tuesday and Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Additionally, the Dial-a-Ride connects to Pace Route 571 Zion.
To reserve a trip, call (800) 201-6446 or (877) 218-0905 (TTY) one day in advance. Fares are $0.80 for seniors and people with disabilities and $1.60 for all others.
Route 572 Changes
On August 22nd, Pace bus route 572 went from a flag to posted stop route. This means that the bus will stop at posted Pace bus stop signs along the route. More information about locations of stops is available online at www.pacebus.com.
As of October 31, Pace is planning to implement changes to fixed routes in Highland Park. Route 473 will be eliminated and the following stops will be added to routes 471 and 472.
471 will now serve:
• Highland Park Metra Station
• Deerfield Metra Station
• Jewel
• Safety Corner
• Deerbrook Mall
• Northbrook Court
• Crossroads Shopping Center
472 will now add:
• Target
• Highland Park Hospital
• Highland Park Metra
• Downtown Highwood
• Fort Sheridan Metra Station
• Highland Park High School
The Pace Board of Directors recently approved a no strand policy. Per our request, the following information was provided to LCCIL by Pace staff for publication in this newsletter.
Pace Won’t Strand Paratransit Riders
NEW PACE BOARD POLICY
Pace will never leave you stranded away from your home if you were scheduled for a paratransit ride that day. If you miss a trip, you have several options available to you:
Call the 24/7 ADA Paratransit Assistance Reservation Line at 1-800-606-1282, Option #3 (or TTY: 1-888-847-0093) and reserve a new ride. Pace’s goal is to pick you up within 2 hours of receiving the call if the missed trip is the result of a medical appointment. Call or hail a taxicab and pay with a Taxi Access Program (TAP) voucher Chicago only. Ride a fixed route bus or train, which is cheaper than paratransit and allows you to be on your way quickly.
Helpful Hints for Scheduling Trips
1. If you have an appointment, be sure that the reservations agent knows of your appointment time so that they can schedule your trip appropriately. When advising your appointment time, be sure to allow yourself enough time to get from the vehicle to the actual appointment. Example: If you have to be at work or have a medical appointment at 9:00 a.m., but will need fifteen (15) minutes to get to your desk or to sign in, tell customer service that your appointment is at 8:45 a.m.
2. Doctor’s appointments are always late! When making return reservations, please schedule the return trip to leave yourself plenty of time to meet the vehicle on time.
3. Customers who would like to cancel a trip must contact their carrier directly at least two (2) hours before the scheduled pick-up time to avoid the trip being classified as a late-cancelled trip.
4. Same-day trip changes will only be permitted if two (2) hours’ notice is provided and the carrier’s schedule can accommodate the desired change.
5. A pick up scheduled for noon is considered “on-time” if Pace’s vehicle arrives by 12:20 p.m. so please plan accordingly.
For a full copy of the policy, to find out if you qualify for free rides on fixed route buses, or for information about Pace’s TAP program (Chicago only), call 1-847-364-7223, Option 3.
Save Our Contact Information
Pace Customer Service:
1-847-364-7223 (Option 3)
24/7 ADA Paratransit Assistance Reservation Line: 1-800-606-1282, Option #3
(or TTY: 1-888-847-0093)
RTA Trip Planning 1-312-836-7000
Budget News
As of this writing, Pace is not projecting any service cuts or fare hikes to fixed route service. For ADA Paratransit service, however, there is a possibility that reservation hours may be scaled back and a change in the fare structure may be put into place sometime in 2012. Pace’s budget has not yet been published yet, however. Pace budget hearings are held in October, the hearing for Lake County is scheduled for October 17th at the Waukegan Public Library from 4:00-6:00 PM.
Metra
Metra is projecting a fare increase in its budget for next year. The budget has not been released as of
this writing but fare increases are projected to range from around 15-30% for various kinds of tickets.
The expiration timeframe for single ride and ten ride tickets is also slated to be significantly reduced. The Metra hearing for Lake County has not been scheduled as of this writing. Please check Metra’s website www.metrarail.com for additional information.
WOW -- Words of Wisdom
Cross-Disability Support Group
Any adult with a disability(s) welcome.
Share experiences, ideas, meet other people with disabilities.
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, 1:30-3:00 at LCCIL.
Contact: (847) 949-4440 Ext. 12 (V)
E-mail: krista@lccil.org
Lake County Center for Independent Living
377 N. Seymour Avenue, Mundelein, IL 60060.
Lake County Center for Independent Living is fully accessible to all people with disabilities, including persons with chemical sensitivities/environmental illness. Please do NOT wear scented products to any meetings, demonstrations, groups or workshops held at or by the Center. We appreciate your cooperation. Meetings are wheelchair accessible. Sign Language Interpreters, C.A.R.T. and materials in accessible formats are available upon request.
Deaf Social Group
“Game Night”
Friday October 28, 2011
6:00pm to 8:00 pm
At: Lake County Center for Independent Living
377 N. Seymour Ave
Mundelein, IL 60060
- Come meet new and old friends! Open to Deaf/HH and people interested in Sign language for monthly gatherings and social events.
- Bring Games that you want to play.
- Bring snacks and drinks for yourself.
Contact Alan Fagin:
Independent Living Advocate
VP: 1-866-327-7705
Email: alan@lccil.org
LCCIL Staff & Board
LCCIL STAFF
KELLI BROOKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ANDREW BALINT DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
JILL CALLAHAN PROGRAM DIRECTOR
KAREN GULBRANSEN DIRECTOR OF INDEPENDENT LIVING
SERVICES & PROGRAM SUPPORT
LETICIA CRUZ BI-LINGUAL PROGRAM ASSISTANT
KRISTA ERICKSON OLDER BLIND SERVICES ADVOCATE
SHANTA FRIERSON YOUTH & PARENT SERVICES ADVOCATE
CHRIS HOLMES INDEPENDENT LIVING/PA ADVOCATE
JUDY HONIG PROGRAM ASSISTANT
SUSAN RUIZ EMPLOYMENT ADVOCATE
LAURA MELLON YOUTH LEADERSHIP ADVOCATE
CATHY MUEHL INDEPENDENT LIVING ADVOCATE
ALAN FAGIN INDEPENDENT LIVING ADVOCATE
LINDSEY SCHULTZ INFORMATION AND REFERRAL ADVOCATE
AMANDA SWET COMMUNITY TRANSITION SPECIALIST
KATIE BRADY STAFF ASSOCIATE
CHRIS COMPEAN STAFF ASSOCIATE
LCCIL BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CURTIS ROBINSON PRESIDENT
DON NEWBY VICE PRESIDENT
JIM ROSS TREASURER
NORENE BUCHNER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR
RICHARD KIMBROUGH
JONNIE STAGGS
ROGER BRABER
GREG BATTLE
Volunteers Needed!
LCCIL has agreed to gift wrap for Barnes & Noble at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills. Donations will be made to the Center by patrons who are getting their gifts wrapped. We need volunteers to help wrap gifts, as there must be a minimum of two wrappers at all times. LCCL will be participating on the following dates:
Saturday, December 3, 2011 – 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 10, 2011 – 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 24, 2011 – 10 a. m. - 4 p.m.
Please call Noreen Buchner at 847-201-1340 if you are available
to volunteer with the gift wrapping. Thanks!
Lake County Center for Independent Living
Membership Application Form
You can help support the Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) by becoming a member. LCCIL is a not-for-profit, non-residential, cross-disabilities organization that offers programs and advocacy that promote a fully accessible society.
Name __________________________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________________
Telephone __________________________
E-Mail Address _________________________________________
Yes, I want to become a member:
___ $5.00 Mentor Level (or 5 hours of volunteer service to LCCIL)
___ $15.00 Leader Level (or 15 hours of volunteer service to LCCIL)
___ Yes, I would like the LCCIL Vote Every Election pin
___ $30.00 Advocate Level
___ Yes, I would like the LCCIL Vote Every Election pin
___ Yes, I would like the LCCIL Vote Every Election tote bag
Yes, I would like to make a donation:
___ $5.00, ___$15.00, ___$25.00, ___$50.00, ___$100.00, ___Other Amount $_______
Yes, I would like to volunteer:
___ At the Center ___On the Gala Benefit Committee ___On Special Events
Please make check payable to: Lake County Center for Independent Living
377 N. Seymour Avenue, Mundelein, IL 60060
___Check#_______ ___Cash Total Received$_________
Thank you for your support! Membership fees and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
The Lake Effect published by The Lake County Center for Independent Living
377 N. Seymour Ave.
Mundelein, IL 60060
(847) 949-4440 VOICE
(847) 949-0641 TTY
(847) 949-4445 FAX
info@lccil.org E-mail
www.lccil.org Website
Editor: Lindsey Schultz
Design: Northlight Design & Print • 847-770-0698
This newsletter is available in accessible formats upon request: Braille, large print, tape and disk.
The Lake County Center for Independent Living is fully accessible to all people with disabilities, including persons with multiple chemical sensitivities/environmental illness. Please do not wear scented products to any meetings, demonstrations, groups or workshops held at or by the Center. We appreciate your cooperation. Meetings are wheelchair accessible, sign language interpreters and materials in accessible formats are available upon request.